Michael Buckner/Getty Images
EXCLUSIVE: After it was revealed that over 300 actors had written to the SAG-AFTRA leadership that they were “ready to strike” if the guild didn’t “get to the point” in talks with the studios, the number of actors is who signed the letter more than tripled overnight.
Deadline reveals that the letter has now been signed by over 1,000 actors, including stars like Charlize Theron, Joaquin Phoenix, Jamie Lee Curtis, Cobie Smulders and Pedro Pascal, and oddly enough, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher.
Other recently added names include Paul Giamatti, Bradley Whitford, Rose Byrne, Olivia Wilde, Ewan McGregor, Aubrey Plaza, Rooney Mara and Sarah Paulson.
Given that Drescher, the star of the long-running sitcom The Nanny, is essentially taking the lead in negotiations with the AMPTP alongside chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, her signature is an interesting move.
However, Drescher, who also starred in “This Is Spinal Tap” and the NBC comedy “Indebted,” urged members to vote on a strike permit, arguing that “acting careers are at stake.”
Her signature also comes after SAG-AFTRA’s two leading political factions formed a single list to support her re-election and the re-election of Secretary and Treasurer Joely Fisher.
“Solidarity requires honesty and we need to make our resolve clear. A strike brings incredible hardship for so many, and no one wants it. But we’re ready to strike when it comes down to it. And we are concerned at the notion that SAG-AFTRA members might be willing to make sacrifices that the leadership is not making. We hope you heard the news from us. “This is an unprecedented turning point in our industry and what might have been considered good business in other years just doesn’t cut it,” the letter said.
“This is not a moment where we meet in half and it is no exaggeration to say that history’s eyes are on us all. We ask that you stand up for any change we need and the protection we deserve, while making history. If you are unable to make it that far, we ask that you use the power we, the membership, have given you and join the WGA on the picket line.”
It was revealed yesterday that the letter was signed by the likes of Quinta Brunson, Glenn Close, Jennifer Lawrence, Mark Ruffalo, Meryl Streep and Ben Stiller.
SAG-AFTRA declined to comment.